IBTM, Incentives Business Travel & Meetings, is an annual event for event organizers held in Barcelona. Networking and inspiration are central themes at IBTM. Jannemarije Spruitenburg (Key Account Manager) and Kelly van der Velden-Otten (Account Manager and Health Champion) from Jaarbeurs set up their exhibition stand in Barcelona with the aim of promoting Utrecht as a conference destination to event professionals.
Jaarbeurs and Partners Organize the Royal Trip to Utrecht
When you join forces, you can organize truly amazing things—something we at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs know well. During IBTM 2023, Jaarbeurs, in collaboration with Utrecht Marketing, the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC), the Centraal Museum, KLM, and Crowne Plaza Utrecht Central Station, raffled a Royal Trip to Utrecht for attendees.
Royal Jaarbeurs Express
"For the Royal Trip raffle held during IBTM 2023, Jaarbeurs launched a special campaign: the Royal Jaarbeurs Express. By signing up for Happy Hour, a networking session at IBTM 2023, attendees entered the raffle for the trip. Jannemarije Spruitenburg commented, 'We are incredibly proud to offer the Royal Jaarbeurs Express together with Utrecht partners and KLM. We share one clear goal—to put Utrecht on the map as the city and region for hosting international top conferences. IBTM is the perfect place to inspire event organizers with everything Utrecht has to offer.'
Royal Flight
The Royal Trip for two was won by Gerard Lebeda from the International Society for Urban Health in New York. It was his second time flying with KLM, and the experience was memorable: 'On both occasions, I was impressed by the politeness and efficiency of the entire KLM crew.' KLM was delighted to hear this feedback, as Jack Urlus explained: 'We work daily to provide our guests with the best possible flying experience. Outstanding customer service is essential to us, so we're thrilled to receive such positive feedback from our passengers.'
Royal Winners in Utrecht
The winner had visited Utrecht once long ago as a cast member of the worldwide tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. 'Over the years, much has changed architecturally in Utrecht, but we were immediately captivated by the winding streets and picturesque bridges once again.'
Upon arrival, the architectural transformations were apparent. 'Exiting the station, the first thing you notice is the high, covered canopy, offering protection from inclement weather one moment and from the sun the next—all while allowing light to flow into the area."
Kingsize Stay
"The Royal Jaarbeurs Trip included a luxurious stay at the Crowne Plaza Utrecht Central Station. 'Before setting out to explore, we checked into our room at the Crowne Plaza Utrecht Central Station, conveniently located on the lower level of the shopping center. We were given a lovely and spotless king-size room on the 8th floor.'
City Promoters
'During the trip, we noticed just how much the people of Utrecht love their city. A visit to a clothing store led to a conversation with an employee about how wonderful it is to live in Utrecht. He even gave us a fantastic dinner recommendation for the evening. Later, we struck up a conversation at a brewery with a Spaniard who has lived in Utrecht for over 30 years and has seen it grow into a world-class city.'"
Cultural Experience
"To truly get to know Utrecht, a visit to the Centraal Museum is a must. 'The exhibition was incredibly beautiful, and the stunning building was a work of art in itself. We spent a lot of time exploring the many floors of the museum and were particularly impressed by the fashion exhibition that was on display at the time.'
'A final dinner in the city and drinks by the canal made for a perfect ending to our Royal Trip to Utrecht. In short, Utrecht has amazed us once again, offering many possibilities for my work in the future.'
Koninklijke Jaarbeurs will once again be present at IBTM 2024 in Barcelona from November 19 to 21."
